Sri Lanka is accelerating its push for free trade agreements (FTAs) with key regional and global partners, aiming to finalize deals with India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and China by the end of 2024. This ambitious plan, announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry, seeks to boost the nation’s economic growth and competitiveness by opening up…
Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe Sri Lanka ushered in a new era for its agricultural sector yesterday with the launch of a groundbreaking program granting freehold deeds to farmers. This initiative, championed by the President Ranil Wickramasinghe, represents a transformative step towards empowering generations of families and revitalizing rural communities. While some political groups have expressed concerns…
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, during the recent Sri Lanka – Thailand Business Networking event, highlighted the thriving economic relationship between the two sides, pointing out the Thailand-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a milestone showcasing mutual confidence in the economic prospects of both nations. The trade between Thailand and Sri Lanka has witnessed a…
In a significant development, former Minister of Health, Keheliya Rambukwella, has been remanded by the Maligakanda Magistrate, Ms. Lochani Abeywickrama Weerasinghe, over grave allegations of criminal misconduct. The court ruling follows an extensive investigation into Rambukwella’s actions during his tenure as Health Minister. Deputy Solicitor General Miss Lakmini Girihagama, representing the prosecution, revealed startling details…
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) commenced its 18th cycle with the election of Morocco’s esteemed representative, Mr. Omar Zniber, as the President for the year 2024. Established in March 2006, the UNHRC succeeded the UN Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR), marking a significant milestone in the global pursuit of human rights advocacy. Scheduled…
Dr. Jehan Perera The election of Sivagnanam Shritharan as president of the ITAK has the potential to bring Tamil nationalism to the fore again. The ITAK is the largest Tamil political party and the mainstay of the now fragmented TNA which was an alliance of political parties that came into existence during the latter phase…
Sri Lankan leftist groups affiliated with the Frontline Socialist Party, People’s Liberation Front (JVP) and Argalaya movement urge the government to prioritize collecting outstanding taxes before resorting to raising existing levies or introducing new ones. The issue was raised in many parliamentary committees as well. Talking about the issue with The Island newspaper, Sri Lanka’s…
– Shamindra Ferdinando Sole Communist Party (CP) MP Weerasumana Weerasinghe broke ranks with dissident SLPP MPs on January 09 to vote for the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) Bill. Having contested the last general election on the SLPP ticket, the Matara District MP aligned himself with the Uththara Lanka Sabhagaya (ULS) strongly opposed…
As Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin prepares to visit Sri Lanka on February 3-4, the recently released trade data sheds light on the burgeoning economic relationship between the two countries. The visit, which will culminate in the signing of a free trade agreement (FTA), further solidifies this promising direction. According to oec.world, in 2021, Thailand…
Civil society organizations and women’s groups in Sri Lanka have called for the immediate removal of Acting Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon, citing his involvement in torture and other human rights violations. In a statement released today, the groups condemned Tennakoon’s appointment and tenure, highlighting a recent Supreme Court judgment that held him personally…
